Anybody compare the Lexus RX300's?

[DeniseT]

Hi there,

I'm a prospective Pilot owner (ordered one but still not sure about my decision), as I'm still thinking about getting a Lexus RX 300 or the new RX 330 instead).

I'm wondering if any of you have considered or looked at the Lexus RX 300 or 330 models and how they compare with the Pilots. I have always been a Honda owner and would like to get an SUV now that I have a baby to tow around, but I'd really like to have a sunroof, which Pilots don't have, AND I've read about many of the "glitches" in the new Pilots that I could avoid by buying a Lexus RX300 that have been around for quite some time. Plus, the Lexus has a super smooth ride. The only drawbacks for me with the Lexus was the dashboard controls, which looked very busy, fussy and confusing to me, and a lot less cargo space in the Lexus RX300.

Do any of you have any thoughts on this matter that may help me to make my decision???

Thanks a bunch for any input you could give me.

Denise
(DTorkelson@aol.com)

[Eddie Joe]

Haven't looked at the new Lexus, but the 300 is kinda small, and expensive. It might suit you if you rarely haul cargo and like the nameplate. They are very vanilla in my opinion, but a good vehicle with an excellent reliability record.

I looked at them and test drove, just not for me. I do miss a sunroof, and have considered doing an aftermarket version. However, I would go with the MDX over the Lexus if I had to have the luxury plate and a sunroof, and was willing to fork over the extra eight grand.

The Lexus with all the trimmings, including 4x4, will cost in the mid forties, maybe more for the new model. Way over my head.

EJ

[gopilot]

Originally posted by DeniseT
Hi there,

I'm a prospective Pilot owner (ordered one but still not sure about my decision), as I'm still thinking about getting a Lexus RX 300 or the new RX 330 instead).

I'm wondering if any of you have considered or looked at the Lexus RX 300 or 330 models and how they compare with the Pilots. I have always been a Honda owner and would like to get an SUV now that I have a baby to tow around, but I'd really like to have a sunroof, which Pilots don't have, AND I've read about many of the "glitches" in the new Pilots that I could avoid by buying a Lexus RX300 that have been around for quite some time. Plus, the Lexus has a super smooth ride. The only drawbacks for me with the Lexus was the dashboard controls, which looked very busy, fussy and confusing to me, and a lot less cargo space in the Lexus RX300.

Do any of you have any thoughts on this matter that may help me to make my decision???

Thanks a bunch for any input you could give me.

Denise
(DTorkelson@aol.com)

Hi there, If you are considering a Lexus, then it sounds like you want luxury, and all the bells and whistles.

If you want a great SUV with good quality, the Pilot to me is the best one out there. If you really want the sunroof and the luxury feel of a Lexus. I would get the Lexus, depends what your priorities are.

Goodluck. You may want to see how the 2004 Pilot makes out.

[ramirami]

I looked at the RX300 before buying the pilot. First of all I likes thePilots looks better (higher ground clearance and more boxy). But that is my choice.

It is surely more roomy (including 3rd row seat)and I liked the Pilots drive better than the Lexus. Ofcourse the RX has more luxary but then $10K more should get you that.

One thing I really wanted in the Pilot was the memory seats and mirrirs, since me and my take turns in driving all the time. The Rx 30 has memory seats but not memory mirrors (kind of a waste I think).

But I think the biggest difference is the price and the room. Ofcourse in the RX300 price range you can get the MDX too.

My $.02

[RipRocK]

Since you're considering the RX300 or the RX330, have you considered the MDX at all? I testdrove the RX300 and there's no way I'd get that over the MDX. If I felt comfortable with the MDX payments, I would've got that in a heartbeat. RX300 is quite small and IMHO, it's an inferior car to the MDX in many ways. But when I compared the price, the RX300 was about a $1K to $1.5K more expensive than the MDX. At least that's how they were priced where I'm at.

You just might wanna wait and see what RX330 is like. I read that it's supposed to be priced lower than the MDX. After I drove the RX300 and considered the spec data and the price, I couldn't help it but feel that this is just a "designer label" car. Some people said that the RX300 has a more luxurious interior, but I don't believe so. Also, the ride and handling of the RX300 was very spongy and dull to me.

[colorider]

My brother has a RX300. Very nice vehicle, although not as roomy as the Pilot. Similar "ride", at least to me it feels that way. I think dollar for dollar, the MDX is a better choice.

Good luck!


rod

[Family Man]

Denise,

My wife and I traded in our RX300 for a Pilot in Dec. We needed the extra room for our two kids. Trust me, I test drove everything I could think of before deciding on the Pilot and am very happy with my decision. The RX300 is a bit more sporty than the Pilot with it's lower center of gravity due to it's lower ride height and it has one of the sweetest V6 engines I have ever driven not to mention it's ride quality. It's reliability was impeccable and required nothing but oil changes and routine maintenance.

I looked at the MDX and the one thing that really drove me nuts was the fake wood trim...at that price range it makes no sense. You also can't get into the third row seats from the drivers side. I knew the Pilot was a "scaled down" version of the MDX so I took a look at it and loved it (also saved about 10K from purchasing the MDX). No fake wood, easy access from either side of the vehicle to the third row, tons of room, 5 star crash ratings, and good fuel economy to boot. You really can't go wrong with this truck. It's a no nonsense practically built SUV with no competition in it's price range.

If you can afford an RX300 or MDX I'd say go for it. You can't go wrong either way. If you need the extra room and don't want to pay extra for "luxury" then go for the Pilot. I miss the RX less and less every time I drive the Pilot. I really think it's that good a truck and at this price, it's a steal. Good luck!

[PaulV7]

I would just like to add that with any vehicle forum this active you will hear a lot of "glitches." Most of them are little things.

I just wonder if Honda designers look at this site. Man they could get some good ideas of what their SUV customer base likes.

[jrichter09]

the Lexus 300 is...small! plus for the money, the MDX is a better purchase.

[catbert]

Around here, the RX300s are a dime a dozen. At least 4-6 of them on EVERY used car lot. And no matter what color you get, they all look the same.

Just my .02, but the Pilot is much more unique and attractive and roomy and ... I could go on and on.

[scamps]

No one can argue that the lexus is a wonderful car. I've driven my friend's around. I'm delighted to say that I was not all that impressed with the 2004 320.My problem was with the big blind spot in back.I like a cleaner look with wide open windows like the Pilot. I like understated elegance. I also like that the Pilot takes regular fuel and that I'm buying it for around $10,000 less than a Lexus. Best wishes with your new car however you choose.